This book addresses the issues and practicalities of implementing the National Curriculum at clasroom level in mainstream primary schools. The approach is pragmatic - we have a National Curriculum and we must use it to foster progress for children who find school-based learing difficult. Implementing the National Curriculum is discussed in relation to the need for safeguarding a broad curriculum, assessing children's learning and helping all children to gain access to the National Curriculum. There are implications also for the classroom grouping of children, making the best use of resources (including Special Educational Needs co-ordinators, classmates, care-givers, support services and materials) and record-keeping. These areas are explored in the light of both classroom practice and research evidence. Ann Lewis also offers guidelines on how to carry out SATs with children who have difficulties in learning and examines the legal position concerning exceptions from the National Curriculum.